Cartoons – Good or bad for children?

Cartoons are a part of the growing years of a child.  They are a source of entertainment, information and also influence kids.  Cartoons can have a direct impact on a child’s thinking ability.  Little girls have dreamt of being Disney princesses.  Little boys have pictured themselves to be that ninja warrior.  Then there are characters like Tom and Jerry which is enjoyed by all age groups.  They give a message about dealing with friends and enemies.

Cartoons may have pros and cons and can impact children in multiple ways.  Are cartoons good or bad for preschoolers? Let’s find out.

Pros

Builds their communication skills

Often kids try to communicate like their favourite cartoon show character.  This helps them to open up and listen well.  It also shows that they are good listeners and are paying attention to the little things that probably adults don’t focus upon.

A learning experience

Cartoons have educational benefits on children.  Some cartoons perceive the world in a very positive way which enhances the morale of children.  They begin to think positively at a very young age.  A child’s growth is influenced by the various emotions that he or she goes through.  Cartoons train children to absorb and understand all sorts of emotions.  Empathy, kindness and compassion are a few.

Decreases anxiety

Who doesn’t like to have a good laugh right? Cartoons are stress busters and good confidence builders.  They also teach children to take things as it is and enjoy life in a light manner.  This also keeps them healthy.

Boosts their creativity

By nature, kids are creative.  They explore and innovate.  The imagination of a child can be enhanced by watching cartoons.  They can get ideas and relate to several topics by watching cartoons.  They even encourage children to handhold their creative passions.

Cons

Can be addictive

Sometimes children throw tantrums if they aren’t allowed to watch cartoons for just one day.  They become so addicted to their favourite cartoon character that they begin to speak, sit, stand or even eat like them.  Continuous hours in front of the television may also result in health problems like poor eyesight, obesity, headache at a very young age.

May imitate the violence

Violence and aggression are often seen in cartoons through negative characters.  Children at that age may not understand and might even try out various stunts and acts which might be seriously dangerous.

Foul language

At times in order to win over each other, certain action characters tend to use bad language.  Children pick it up very fast and try to use it on their friends at school or at home.

The mind and character of children are shaped between the years of 2 to 12 and it is very important to monitor what children view, perceive and emulate in those years.  Cartoons can have a wide range of benefits if a check is kept on the ones being watched and enjoyed.